Red 21 is a color belonging to the fluoran class. The fluoran colors are characterized by fluorescence when exposed to light and tend to brighten the appearance of the product, in addition to having a red hue.

Safety

Safety Information:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the safety of Red 21 and determined that it may be safely used for coloring cosmetics and personal care products including products intended to be used on the lips. It is not permitted for use in products intended for use in the area of the eye. Red 21 is also permitted as to be used as a color extenally applied drugs. According to U.S. regulations, all Red 21 and Red 21 Lake that are manufactured for use in products is subject to certification by the FDA. This certification process ensures that the strict chemical and identity specifications set by FDA are met. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deferred evaluation of this ingredient because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.

More safety Information:

All color additives used in foods, drugs and cosmetics in the United States must be approved by FDA and listed in the Code of Federal Regulations. In some cases, FDA requires that each batch of color produced for use in regulated products can be used only if it is certified by the agency to meet strict specifications. FDA maintains a laboratory especially for this purpose and color manufacturers must pay a fee to support this activity. FDA only approves colors after extensive review of all safety data and publication of the basis for its approval in the Federal Register.

Red 21 is listed as CI 45380 in the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union and is a colouring agent allowed for use in all cosmetics and personal care products. 2-(6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl) benzoic acid and 2-(bromo-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl) benzoic acid are limited to 1% and 2%, respectively. The insoluble barium, strontium and zirconium lakes, salts and pigments of Red 21 are also permitted and must pass the test for insolubility. When used in cosmetic products in the European Union, this ingredient must be called CI 45380.

Red 21 is chemically named as 2',4',5',7'-tetrabromofluorescein. As a fluorescein color, it exhibits fluorescent properties, which means that the absorption of light triggers the emission of light with a longer wavelength. This can have the effect of making the product appear to glow. Fluorescence is named after the mineral fluorite, composed of calcium fluoride, which often exhibits this phenomenon. Red 21 is soluble in water. Red 21 Lake is an insoluble pigment used in applications where bleeding of the color is undesirable.